Copy machine and non-transitory computer readable recording medium stored with control program for copy machine

ABSTRACT

The copy machine selects either of a first direction in which a long-side direction of the paper matches the writing sub-scan direction and a second direction in which a short-side direction of the paper matches the writing sub-scan direction, with considering, when the paper is fed in the first direction, the number of documents, the number of copies, the time required for a reading process, the time required for an image forming process, and the time the reading process and the image forming process overlap, and with considering, when the paper is fed in the second direction, the number of documents, the number of copies, the time required for the reading process, the time required for a rotation process, and the time required for an image forming process.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-135344filed on Jun. 17, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a copy machine that reads an image of adocument and makes a copy of the document, and a non-transitory computerreadable recording medium that is stored with a control program for thecopy machine.

2. Description of Related Art

In recent years, multifunction devices (Multi-Function Peripheral: MFP)having the functions of a copier, printer, image scanner, facsimile andso on, are gaining popularity. An MFP is provided with an automaticdocument transport device (Auto Document Feeder: ADF) that feeds adocument to an image reading unit for reading an image of the document,and can read a plurality of documents in a row.

When copying processes of a document are performed by an MFP having anADF, normally, the document is set in the ADF such that the short-sidedirection of the document matches the transport direction of thedocument, and the document is fed from the ADF to an image reading unitby LEF (Long Edge Feed). An image of the document fed by LEF is read bya line sensor that is provided to extend in a direction orthogonal tothe transport direction of the document, where the long-side directionof the document is in line with the reading main scan direction and theshort-side direction of the document is in line with the readingsub-scan direction. Then, an image, which is based on image dataacquired by the line sensor by reading the image of the document, isformed on a sheet of paper that is fed from a paper feed tray to animage forming unit by LEF. The image forming unit has an optical unitthat is formed with a laser oscillator, a polygon mirror and so on, andforms an image on the sheet of paper fed by LEF, such that the long-sidedirection of the sheet is in line with the writing main scan directionand the short-side direction is in line with the writing sub-scandirection.

According to this configuration, the time required for the readingprocess of the document becomes short compared to a case where adocument is fed from an ADF by SEF (Short Edge Feed) and an image of thedocument is read such that the long-side direction of the document is inline with the reading sub-scan direction. Also, the time required forthe image forming process on paper becomes short compared to a casewhere paper is fed from a paper feed tray to an image forming unit bySEF and an image is formed such that the long-side direction of paper isin line with the writing sub-scan direction. In addition, since theorientation of image data acquired by reading a document and theorientation of paper match, it is not necessary to rotate theorientation of image data through 90 degrees, and the time required forcopying processes can be minimized.

However, there are ADFs that can set a document only in the orientationof SEF and that can feed a document to an image reading unit only bySEF. Also, even if an ADF is able to set a document in either directionof LEF/SEF, depending on the users, cases might occur where a documentis set in the direction of SEF and the document is fed to an imagereading unit by SEF.

In the event a document is fed by SEF and an image of the document isread such that the long-side direction of the document is in line withthe reading sub-scan direction, feeding paper by SEF may make itunnecessary to rotate image data and consequently make the time requiredfor copying processes short, or feeding paper by LEF may make the timerequired for the image forming process short and consequently make thetime required for copying processes short. Consequently, in the event adocument is fed by SEF and an image of the document is read such thatthe long-side direction of the document is in line with the readingsub-scan direction, it is preferable to appropriately switch the feedingdirection of paper on which an image is going to be formed and shortenthe time required for copying processes.

Note that Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. H09-018690discloses a technology for, in copying processes of a document, feedingpaper in an orientation that matches the orientation of a document froma paper feed tray, and forming an image. However, although according tothis technology it is not necessary to rotate image data, when adocument is fed by SEF, the time required for copying processes does notalways become short.

Also, Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-322326 discloses atechnology for, in a printing process of forming an image based on printdata on paper, selecting the paper feeding direction to give the shorterprinting time, by considering the difference in the time required for animage forming process on paper that is fed by LEF/SEF, and the timerequired for the process of rotating image data. However, thistechnology is specific to a printing process and does not take intoaccount reading of an image of a document by an image reading unit.

SUMMARY

The present invention is made in view of the above problems. It istherefore an object of the present invention to provide a copy machineand a non-transitory computer readable recording medium that is storedwith a control program for the copy machine that can reduce the timerequired for copying processes, in copying processes of reading an imageof a document such that the long-side direction of the document is inline with the reading sub-scan direction and the short-side direction isin line with the reading main scan direction and making a copy of thedocument.

To achieve at least one of the above-mentioned objects, a copy machinereflecting one aspect of the present invention includes: a reading unitthat reads an image of a document such that a long-side direction of thedocument is in line with a reading sub-scan direction and a short-sidedirection is in line with a reading main scan direction; a rotation unitthat rotates image data acquired by reading the image of the document bythe reading unit; an image forming unit that forms the image on paperbased on image data acquired by reading the image of the document by thereading unit or based on the image data rotated by the rotation unit,such that a transport direction of the paper is in line with a writingsub-scan direction and a direction orthogonal to the writing sub-scandirection is in line with a writing main scan direction; a selectionunit that selects either of a first direction in which a long-sidedirection of the paper matches the writing sub-scan direction and asecond direction in which a short-side direction of the paper matchesthe writing sub-scan direction, that makes the time required after areading process of the document is started until an image formingprocess is complete shorter, with considering, when the paper is fed tothe image forming unit in the first direction, the number of documents,the number of copies, the time required for a reading process of thedocument, the time required for an image forming process on the paperthat is fed in the first direction, and the time the reading process andthe image forming process overlap, and with considering, when the paperis fed to the image forming unit in the second direction, the number ofdocuments, the number of copies, the time required for the readingprocess, the time required for a rotation process of the image data, andthe time required for an image forming process on the paper that is fedin the second direction; and a control unit that performs control tomake the image forming unit perform the image forming process, withoutmaking the rotation unit perform the rotation process, when the firstdirection is selected by the selection unit, and to make the rotationunit perform the rotation process and then make the image forming unitperform the image forming process when the second direction is selectedby the selection unit.

The above copy machine preferably further has a reduction unit thatreduces the image data; the selection unit preferably selects either ofthe first and second directions with further considering the timerequired for a reduction process of the image data and, when thereduction process is performed, after the reading process for onedocument is complete, the control unit preferably performs control tomake the reduction unit perform the reduction process with respect tothe document.

The above copy machine preferably further has an enlargement unit thatenlarges the image data; the selection unit preferably selects either ofthe first and second directions with further considering the timerequired for an enlargement process of the image data; and, when theenlargement process is performed, the control unit preferably performscontrol to make the reading unit read part of the image of the document,and, after the reading process of the part of the image is complete,make the enlargement unit perform the enlargement process.

In the above copy machine, the reading unit is preferably configured tobe able to select first mode to perform the reading process at firstreading speed and second mode to perform the reading process of higherresolution than the first mode at second reading speed that is slowerthan the first reading speed, and the time required for the readingprocess preferably varies when the first mode is selected and when thesecond mode is selected.

In the above copy machine, the time required for the reading process ofone document by the reading unit is preferably longer than the timerequired for the image forming process with respect to the one documentby the image forming unit.

The objects, features, and characteristics of this invention other thanthose set forth above will become apparent from the description givenherein below with reference to preferred embodiments illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a structure of an MFP accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a structure of the MFP illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a copying processexecuted by an MFP.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the first copyingprocess shown in step S106 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the second copyingprocess shown in step S108 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the time required for copying processes bySEF and the time required for copying processes by LEF, in the eventmultiple copies of one document are printed at 1× magnification.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the time required for copying processes bySEF and the time required for copying processes by LEF, in the eventthree documents are printed in one copy each at 1× magnification.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the time required for copying processes bySEF and the time required for copying processes by LEF, in the eventthree documents are printed in multiple copies each at 1× magnification.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the time required for copying processes bySEF and the time required for copying processes by LEF, in the eventfour documents are printed in one copy each at reduced magnification.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the time required for copying processes bySEF and the time required for copying processes by LEF, in the eventfour documents are printed in one copy each at enlarging magnification.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a variation of a copying process executedby an MFP.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the third copyingprocess shown in step S407 in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of this invention will be described below with referenceto the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a structure of an MFP accordingto an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagramshowing a structure of the MFP illustrated in FIG. 1.

An MFP 100, which serves as a copy machine, has a control unit 110, anoperation panel unit 120, an image reading unit 130, a paper feed unit140, an image forming unit 150, and a post-processing unit 160, andthese are connected mutually via a bus 170 to exchange signals.

The control unit 110 has a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM(Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a hard disk104, a first image processing circuit 105, a second image processingcircuit 106 and a communication interface 107.

The main CPU 101 controls the above various parts and performs variouscalculation processes according to programs. The ROM 102 stores variousprograms and various data. The RAM 103 serves as a work space by storingprograms and data on a temporary basis.

The hard disk 104 stores various programs and various data to controlthe basic operations of the MFP 100. Also, the hard disk 104 stores aprogram for selecting the orientation (LEF/SEF) of paper to be fed fromthe paper feed unit 140 to the image forming unit 150, upon execution ofcopying processes by the MFP 100.

The first image processing circuit 105 performs image processing onimage data acquired by reading an image of a document by the imagereading unit 130. The first image processing circuit 105 performs imageprocessing for enlarging or reducing the image data. The second imageprocessing circuit 106 performs image processing on image data that isgenerated when a job is executed, and transfers the image data after theimage processing to the image forming unit 150. The second imageprocessing circuit 106 performs a rotation process of rotating theorientation of image data through 90 degrees, according to theorientation of paper fed from the paper feed unit 140.

The communication interface 107 is an interface for communicating withother devices, and includes a network interface and a USB (UniversalSerial Bus) interface. The network interface is an interface forcommunicating with other devices via a network, and adopts a standardsuch as Ethernet, TokenRing, and FDDI (Fiber Distributed DataInterface). The USB interface is an interface that can connect anddisconnect devices that comply with the USB standard, such as USBmemories and so on, to the MFP 100 in a state the MFP 100 is powered on.

The operation panel unit 120 has elements such as a touch panel,ten-keys, a start button and a stop button, and is used to displayvarious information and input various commands.

The image reading unit 130 has a scanner CPU 131, a CCD (Charge CoupledDevices) image sensor 132, an IR/ADF motor 133, and a motor driver 134.The scanner CPU 131 controls the above various parts and performsvarious calculation processes according to programs. The IR/ADF motor133 is a motor to drive the image reading device (Image Reader: IR) andADF, and the motor driver 134 controls the IR/ADF motor 133. A documentcan be set in the ADF of the present embodiment only in the orientationin which the long-side direction of the document and the transportdirection of the document match. The image reading unit 130 illuminatesa document that is set in a predetermined reading position on a documenttray, or a document that is transported by an ADF to the predeterminedreading position, by a light source such as a fluorescent lamp, performsan opto-electronic conversion of the reflected light by a CCD imagingsensor 132, and generates image data from the electrical signal. The CCDimage sensor 132 is a line sensor in which a predetermined number ofreading pixels extend in the direction (reading main scan direction)orthogonal to the document transport direction. Also, the image readingunit 130 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to selectbetween high quality mode to read an image of a document at highresolution and low quality mode to read an image of a document at lowresolution.

The paper feed unit 140 stocks paper on which an image is formed. Thepaper feed unit 140 has a plurality of paper feed trays 140 a to 140 cand a manual feed tray 140 d, and sends out the paper stocked in thepaper feed trays 140 a to 140 c and manual feed tray 140 d one sheet ata time to the image forming unit 150. The plurality of paper feed trays140 a to 140 c stock paper of different sizes and differentorientations. In the present embodiment, in the first paper feed tray140 a, A4 size paper is stocked vertically so that paper is fed to theimage forming unit 150 by SEF. On the other hand, in the second paperfeed tray 140 b, A4 size paper is stocked horizontally so that paper isfed to the image forming unit 150 by LEF.

The image forming unit 150 forms an image on paper based on image datatransferred from the second image processing circuit 106, using knownimaging processes such as electronic photographic processes and so on.The image forming unit 150 has an optical unit (not illustrated) formedwith a laser oscillator, a polygon mirror, a photosensitive body and soon, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive body,by scanning a laser beam emitted from the laser oscillator by thepolygon mirror in the writing main scan direction. A toner image, whichis acquired by supplying toner to the electrostatic latent image, istransferred on paper that is transported in the writing sub-scandirection of the laser beam (the rotation direction of thephotosensitive body).

The post-processing unit 160 discharges paper on which an image has beenformed by the image forming unit 150. The post-processing unit 160 has aplurality of paper discharge trays, and paper on which an image isformed is discharged to a predetermined paper discharge tray. Also, thepost-processing unit 160 is provided with post-processing devices (notillustrated) for applying post-processing including a stapling process,a punching process and so on.

Note that the MFP 100 may include components other than the abovecomponents or may not include part of the above components.

With the MFP 100 of the present embodiment configured as describedabove, when copying processes of a document are executed, theorientation of paper on which an image is going to be formed is switcheddepending on the content of the copying processes, in order to reducethe time required for the copying processes. Now, the operations of theMFP 100 will be described below with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 12.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a copying processexecuted by the MFP. Note that the algorithms illustrated in theflowchart of FIG. 3 are stored in the hard disk 104 of the MFP 100 inthe form of a program and implemented by the main CPU 101. Prior toexecution of copying processes, a document is set in the ADF such thatthe document is fed to the image reading unit 130 by SEF and an image ofthe document is read such that the long-side direction of the documentis in line with the reading sub-scan direction.

First, the copy settings are accepted (step S101). In the presentembodiment, the copy settings set up by the user are accepted. The copysettings include the image quality setting, the setting as to the numberof copies and the enlargement/reduction setting. Also, in the presentembodiment, the number of documents is input by the user, and the numberof documents is accepted. Note that, unlike the present embodiment, thenumber of documents may be determined by detecting the weight andthickness of documents, and be set automatically.

Next, the time required for copying processes in the event paper is fedby SEF is calculated (step S102). In the present embodiment, uponexecuting copying processes of reading an image of a document that isfed by SEF and forming an image on paper that is fed by SEF, the timerequired after the reading process is started until the image formingprocess is complete, is calculated. To be specific, the time requiredfor copying processes is calculated considering the number of documents,the number of copies, the time required for the image forming process onpaper fed by SEF, the reading speed corresponding to the image qualitysetting (that is to say, the time required for the reading process) andthe content of the enlargement/reduction process. To be more specific,in the event of copying processes at 1× magnification, the time requiredfor the copying processes is calculated based on the number ofdocuments, the number of copies, the time required for the image formingprocess, the time required for the reading process, and the time thereading process and the image forming process for the same documentoverlap. Also, in the event of copying processes involvingenlargement/reduction, the time required for the copying processes iscalculated based on the number of documents, the number of copies, thetime required for the image forming process, the time required for thereading process and the time required for the enlargement/reductionprocess.

Next, the time required for copying processes in the event paper is fedby LEF is calculated (step S103). In the present embodiment, uponexecuting copying processes of reading an image of a document that isfed by SEF and forming an image on paper that is fed by LEF, the timerequired after the reading process is started until the image formingprocess is complete, is calculated. To be more specific, the timerequired for copying processes is calculated considering the number ofdocuments, the number of copies, the time required for the image formingprocess on paper that is fed by LEF, the time required for the readingprocess, the content of the enlargement/reduction process, and the timerequired for the rotation process of image data. To be more specific, inthe event of copying processes at 1× magnification, the time requiredfor the copying processes is calculated based on the number ofdocuments, the number of copies, the time required for the image formingprocess, the time required for the reading process and the time requiredfor the rotation process. Also, in the event of copying processesinvolving enlargement/reduction, the time required for the copyingprocesses is calculated based on the number of documents, the number ofcopies, the time required for the image forming process, the timerequired for the reading process, the time required for the rotationprocess, and the time required for the enlargement/reduction process.

Next, whether or not the time required for copying processes when paperis fed by SEF is shorter than the time required when paper is fed by LEFis determined (step S104). In the present embodiment, the timecalculated in the process illustrated in step S102 and the timecalculated in the process illustrated in step S103 are compared, andwhether or not the time required for copying processes when paper is fedby SEF is shorter than the time required for copying processes whenpaper is fed by LEF, is determined.

When the time required for copying processes when paper is fed by SEF isdetermined to be shorter than the time required when paper is fed by LEF(step S104: YES), SEF is selected (step S105). In the presentembodiment, it is determined that the time required for copyingprocesses becomes shorter by feeding paper by SEF and performing animage forming process than by feeding paper by LEF and performing animage forming process, and therefore SEF is selected.

Then, a first copying process is executed (step S106), and the processis finished. In the present embodiment, the first copying process ofperforming an image forming process on paper that is fed by SEF, isexecuted. The first copying process illustrated in step S106 will bedescribed later in detail.

On the other hand, in the process illustrated in step S104, when thetime required for copying processes when paper is fed by SEF isdetermined to be longer than the time required when paper is fed by LEF(step S104: NO), LEF is selected (step S107). In the present embodiment,it is determined that the time required for copying processes becomesshorter by feeding paper by LEF and performing an image forming processthan by feeding paper by SEF and performing an image forming process,and therefore LEF is selected.

Then, a second copying process is executed (step S108), and the processis finished. In the present embodiment, the second copying process ofperforming an image forming process on paper that is fed by LEF, isexecuted. The second copying process illustrated in step S108 will bedescribed later in detail.

As described above, according to the processes in the flowchartillustrated in FIG. 3, between SEF and LEF, the feeding direction of theone that makes the time required for copying processes shorter isselected based on the content of copying processes, and copyingprocesses in accordance with this selection result are executed.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the first copyingprocess illustrated in step S106 in FIG. 3. In the first copyingprocess, an image of a document fed by SEF is read, and an image isformed on paper that is fed by SEF.

First, whether or not 1×-magnification copying is performed isdetermined (step S201). In the present embodiment, based on the copysettings accepted in the process illustrated in step S101 of FIG. 3,whether the copying processes involve reduced or enlarging copying, or1×-magnification copying, is determined.

When it is determined that 1×-magnification copying is not performed(step S201: NO), the step moves on to the process of step S209. On theother hand, when it is determined that 1×-magnification copying isperformed (step S201: YES), a reading process of the document is started(step S202). In the present embodiment, for a document that is fed bySEF, the image reading unit 130 starts reading an image such that thelong-side direction of the document is in line with the reading sub-scandirection.

Next, whether or not the document has been read up to a predeterminedposition is determined (step S203). In the present embodiment, withrespect to the document which has been started being read in the processillustrated in step S202, whether or not image has been read up to apredetermined position in the long-side direction of the document(reading sub-scan direction) is determined.

When it is determined that the document has not been read up to apredetermined position (step S203: NO), the document is waited to beread up to a predetermined position.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the document has been readup to a predetermined position (step S203: YES), an image formingprocess is started (step S204). In the present embodiment, an imagestarts being formed on paper that is fed by SEF based on image datagenerated following the advancement of reading by the image reading unit130 in the reading sub-scan direction. On paper that is fed by SEF, animage is formed such that the long-side direction of paper is in linewith the writing sub-scan direction.

Next, whether or not the reading process is complete is determined (step205). In the present embodiment, for the document which was startedbeing read in the process illustrated in step S202, whether or notreading of an image is complete is determined.

In the event the reading process is determined not to be complete (stepS205: NO), the reading process is waited to be complete. On the otherhand, in the event the reading process is determined to be complete(step S205: YES), whether or not there is a next document is determined(step S206). In the present embodiment, whether or not a document isleft in the ADF is determined. Note that image data acquired when thereading process is complete is stored in the RAM 103 for recycle use.

When it is determined that there is a next document (step S206: YES),the step returns to the process of step S202. As a result of this, untilthe reading process is complete with respect to all documents set in theADF, the processes of step S202 and onward are repeated.

On the other hand, when it is determined that there is not a nextdocument (step S206: NO), whether or not multiple copies are to beprinted is determined (step S207). In the present embodiment, based onthe copy settings accepted in the process illustrated in step S101 ofFIG. 3, whether or not the number of copies is set two or greater isdetermined.

When it is determined that multiple copies are to be printed (step S207:YES), the number of copies left is output (step S208). In the presentembodiment, based on the image data of the document stored in the RAM103, image forming is executed for the number of copies left. On theother hand, when it is determined that not multiple copies are to beprinted (step S207: NO), the process is finished.

As described above, according to the processes illustrated in steps S201to S208 in FIG. 4, an image of a document that is fed by SEF is read andmeanwhile an image is formed on paper that is fed by SEF. When paper isfed by SEF, the orientation of the image data of the document and theorientation of paper match, so that there is no need to rotate the imagedata, and the image forming process is started before the readingprocess of one document is complete. That is to say, in the event copiesare printed in 1×-magnification by SEF, the time in which the readingprocess is executed and the time in which the image forming process isexecuted for the same document partly overlap, and therefore the timeafter reading process is started until image forming process is startedis short.

On the other hand, in the event 1×-magnification copying is determinednot to be performed in the process illustrated in step S201 (step S201:NO), a reading process of the document is started (step S209). In thepresent embodiment, for a document that is fed by SEF, an image startsbeing read such that the long-side direction of the document is in linewith the reading sub-scan direction.

Next, whether or not the reading process is complete is determined (step210). In the event the reading process is determined not to be complete(step S210: NO), the reading process is waited to be complete. On theother hand, in the event the reading process is determined to becomplete (step S210: YES), an enlargement/reduction process of the imageis executed (step S211). In the present embodiment, based on the copysettings, an enlargement or reduction process is applied to the imagedata acquired by reading the image of the document by the image readingunit 130.

Next, an image forming process is started (step S212). In the presentembodiment, based on the image data having been subjected to anenlargement/reduction process in the process illustrated in step S211,an image starts being formed on paper that is fed by SEF. On paper thatis fed by SEF, an image is formed such that the long-side direction ofpaper is in line with the writing sub-scan direction.

Next, whether or not there is a next document is determined (step S213).When it is determined that there is a next document (step S213: YES),the step returns to the process of step S209. On the other hand, when itis determined that there is not a next document (step S213: NO), thenumber of copies left is output according to the copy settings (stepsS207 and S208), and then the process is finished.

As described above, according to the processes illustrated in steps S207to S213 in FIG. 4, after an image of a document that is fed by SEF isread and an enlargement/reduction process of the image is executed, animage is formed on paper fed by SEF. Note that, when paper is fed bySEF, the orientation of image data of a document and the orientation ofpaper match, so that there is no need to rotate the image data. However,if an enlargement/reduction process of an image is involved, it is thennecessary to apply an enlargement/reduction process to image data of onedocument acquired when the reading process of the document is complete,so that it is not possible to start the image forming process before thereading process is complete.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the second copyingprocess illustrated in step S108 in FIG. 3. In the second copyingprocess, an image of a document fed by SEF is read, and an image isformed on paper that is fed by LEF.

First, whether or not 1×-magnification copying is performed isdetermined (step S301). When it is determined that 1×-magnificationcopying is not performed (step S301: NO), the step moves on to theprocess of step S309. On the other hand, when it is determined that1×-magnification copying is performed (step S301: YES), a readingprocess of the document is started (step S302). In the presentembodiment, for a document that is fed by SEF, an image starts beingread such that the long-side direction of the document is in line withthe reading sub-scan direction.

Next, whether or not the reading process is complete is determined (stepS303). In the event the reading process is determined not to be complete(step S303: NO), the reading process is waited to be complete.

On the other hand, in the event the reading process is determined to becomplete (step S303: YES), a rotation process of the image is executed(step S304). In the present embodiment, a rotation process of rotatingimage data through 90 degrees is applied to the image data acquired byreading the image of the document by the image reading unit 130. As theorientation of image data is rotated through 90 degrees, it becomespossible to form an image based on image data that is acquired byreading an image of a document fed by SEF, on paper that is fed by LEF.

Next, an image forming process is started (step S305). In the presentembodiment, an image starts being formed on paper that is fed by LEF,based on the image data rotated in the process illustrated in step S304.On paper that is fed by LEF, an image is formed such that the short-sidedirection of paper is in line with the writing sub-scan direction.

Next, whether or not there is a next document is determined (step S306).When it is determined that there is a next document (step S306: YES),the step returns to the process of step S302. On the other hand, when itis determined that there is not a next document (step S306: NO), whetheror not multiple copies are to be printed is determined (step S307).

When it is determined that multiple copies are to be printed (step S307:YES), the number of copies left is output (step S308). On the otherhand, when it is determined that not multiple copies are to be printed(step S307: NO), the process is finished.

As described above, according to the processes illustrated in steps S301to S308 in FIG. 5, an image of a document fed by SEF is read, and, aftera rotation process of the image is executed, an image is formed on paperthat is fed by LEF.

On the other hand, in the event 1×-magnification copying is determinednot to be performed in the process illustrated in step S301 (step S301:NO), the reading process of the document is started (step S309). In thepresent embodiment, for a document that is fed by SEF, an image startsbeing read such that the long-side direction of the document is in linewith the reading sub-scan direction.

Next, whether or not the reading process is complete is determined (step310). In the event the reading process is determined not to be complete(step S310: NO), the reading process is waited to be complete. On theother hand, in the event the reading process is determined to becomplete (step S310: YES), an enlargement/reduction process of the imageis executed (step S311).

Next, a rotation process of the image is executed (step S312), and animage forming process is started (step S313). In the present embodiment,on paper that is fed by LEF, an image is formed such that the short-sidedirection of paper is in line with the writing sub-scan direction.

Next, whether or not there is a next document is determined (step S314).When it is determined that there is a next document (step S314: YES),the step returns to the process of step S309. On the other hand, when itis determined that there is not a next document (step S314: NO), thenumber of copies left is output according to the copy settings (stepsS307 and S308), and then the process is finished.

As described above, according to the processes illustrated in steps S307to S314 in FIG. 5, an image of a document fed by SEF is read, and, afteran enlargement/reduction process and rotation process of the image areexecuted, an image is formed on paper that is fed by LEF.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6 to FIG. 10, the relationship between thetime required for copying processes when paper is fed by SEF and thetime required for copying processes when paper is fed by LEF will beexplained.

FIG. 6 to FIG. 10 are time charts to show the time required for copyingprocesses when paper is fed by SEF and the time required for copyingprocesses when paper is fed by LEF. The horizontal axis in each drawingis the time past from the time copying is started. The upper part ineach drawing is the copying processes in the event paper is fed by SEF,and the lower part in each drawing is the copying process in the eventpaper is fed by LEF. Note that, in the copying processes of the presentembodiment, the time required for the image forming process based onimage data of one document is shorter than the time required for thereading process of one document. Also, the time required for the readingprocess changes depending on the reading speed corresponding to imagequality mode.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the time required for copying processes bySEF and the time required for copying processes by LEF in the eventmultiple copies of one document are printed at 1× magnification. Ineither case of SEF or LEF, the document reading process is performed onetime, which equals the number of documents, and the image formingprocess is performed a number of times, which equals the product of thenumber of documents and the number of copies. Also, as with LEF, therotation process is performed one time, which equals the number ofdocuments.

As described above, in the copying processes by SEF, there is no need toexecute a rotation process of image data, and the image forming processis started before the reading process (scan) of the document by theimage reading unit 130 is complete. On the other hand, in the copyingprocesses by LEF, a rotation process of image data has to be executed,so that, after the reading process of the document by the image readingunit 130 is executed, an image rotation process is executed, and thenthe image forming process is started.

Consequently, as illustrated in FIG. 6, in the event multiple copies ofone document are printed, if the number of copies is less than aspecific number of copies (in FIG. 6, three copies), the time requiredfor copying processes is shorter with SEF. That is to say, the timecalculated in step S102 in FIG. 3 is shorter than the time calculated instep S103. However, since the time required for the image formingprocess itself is shorter with LEF, if the number of copies equals orexceeds a specific number of copies, the time required for copyingprocesses is shorter with LEF. That is to say, the time calculated instep S103 in FIG. 3 is shorter than the time calculated in step S102.

In the copying processes of the present embodiment, the time requiredfor copying processes by SEF and the time required for copying processesby LEF are both calculated, based on the copy settings. To be morespecific, in copying processes by SEF, the time required for the copyingprocesses is calculated considering that the image forming process isstarted before the reading process is complete, and, in copyingprocesses by LEF, the time required for the copying processes iscalculated considering that the rotation process is executed after thereading process is complete, and then the image forming process isstarted. Then, based on the times calculated, the one feeding directionto make the time for copying processes shorter is selected, and copyingprocesses are executed in the selected feeding direction.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the time required for copying processes bySEF and the time required for copying processes by LEF in the eventthree documents are printed in one copy each at 1× magnification, andFIG. 8 is a diagram showing the time required for copying processes bySEF and the time required for copying processes by LEF in the eventthree documents are printed in multiple copies each at 1× magnification.In either case of SEF or LEF, the document reading process is performedthree times, which equals the number of documents, and the image formingprocess is performed three times, which equals the product of the numberof documents and the number of copies. Also, as with LEF, the rotationprocess is performed three times, which equals the number of documents.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, with the MFP 100 of the present embodiment, ifthree documents are printed in one copy each at 1× magnification, thetime required for copying processes becomes shorter by SEF than by LEF.That is to say, the time calculated in step S102 of FIG. 3 becomesshorter than the time calculated in step S103. Consequently, in thecopying processes of the present embodiment, SEF is selected, and theimage forming process is performed on paper that is fed by SEF.

On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 8, with the MFP 100 of thepresent embodiment, in the event three documents are printed in multiplecopies each at 1× magnification, the time required for copying processesbecomes shorter by LEF than by SEF. That is to say, the time calculatedin step S103 of FIG. 3 becomes shorter than the time calculated in stepS102. Consequently, in the copying processes of the present embodiment,LEF is selected, and the image forming process is performed on paperthat is fed by LEF. In either case of SEF or LEF, the document readingprocess is performed three times, which equals the number of documents,and the image forming process is performed a number of times, whichequals the product of the number of documents and the number of copies.Also, as with LEF, the rotation process is performed three times, whichequals the number of documents.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the time required for copying processes bySEF and the time required for copying processes by LEF, in the eventfour documents are printed in one copy each at reduced magnification.

As described above, in the event an image is reduced, it is necessary toapply image processing to image data, and therefore it is not possibleto start the image forming process before the document reading processis complete, and, after the document reading process is complete, imageprocessing is executed, and then the image forming process is started.Consequently, as illustrated in FIG. 9, with the MFP 100 of the presentembodiment, the time required for copying processes by SEF and the timerequired for copying processes by LEF become nearly the same.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the time required for copying processes bySEF and the time required for copying processes by LEF, in the eventfour documents are printed in one copy each at enlarging magnification.

In the event an image is enlarged, only part of an image of a documentis read, and the range of image reading therefore becomes narrow.However, since the reading resolution needs to be increased, the speedof reading becomes slow. Note that the reading speed is changed by, forexample, switching the transport speed of paper by the ADF.Consequently, the time required for the reading process may becomeshorter or longer than when 1×-magnification copying is performed,depending on the rate of magnification. Also, since it is necessary toapply image processing to image data, it is not possible to start theimage forming process before the document reading process is complete.

In FIG. 10, the time required for copying processes becomes shorter byLEF than by SEF. Consequently, in the copying processes of the presentembodiment, LEF is selected, and the image forming process is performedon paper that is fed by LEF.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when copyingprocesses to feed a document by SEF are executed, between SEF and LEF,the one direction that makes the time required for the copying processesshorter is selected as the feeding direction of paper on which an imageis going to be formed. Then, copying processes are executed in theselected feeding direction. According to this configuration, the timerequired for copying processes is reduced.

(Variation)

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a variation of a copying process executedby an MFP.

First, the copy settings are accepted (step S401). Next, whether or not1×-magnification copying is performed is determined (step S402).

When it is determined that 1×-magnification copying is not performed(step S402: NO), LEF is selected (step S408). In the present embodiment,it is not possible to start the image forming process before thedocument reading process is complete, and, provided that the timerequired for copying processes becomes shorter by feeding paper by LEFand performing the image forming process, LEF is selected.

On the other hand, in the event 1×-magnification copying is determinedto be performed in the process illustrated in step S402 (step S402:YES), whether or not one copy of one document is printed is determined(step S403). In the present embodiment, whether or not the number ofdocuments is one and the number of copies set by the user is one, isdetermined.

When it is determined that one copy of one document is printed (stepS403: YES), SEF is selected (step S406). In the present embodiment, inthe event one copy of one document is printed, it is possible to startthe image forming process before the document reading process iscomplete, and complete the image forming process nearly at the same timethe reading process is complete, so that SEF is selected.

On the other hand, when it is determined that one copy of one documentis not printed in the process illustrated in step S403 (step S403: NO),the number of copies N, which serves as the basis for switching betweenSEF and LEF, is calculated based on the copy settings (step S404). Inthe present embodiment, based on the copy settings and the number ofdocuments accepted in the process illustrated in step S401, a number ofcopies N to reverse the time required for copying processes by SEF andthe time required for copying processes by LEF is calculated.

Then, whether or not the number of copies set by the user is equal to orgreater than N is determined (step S405). In the present embodiment,whether or not the number of copies accepted in the process illustratedin step S401 is equal to or greater than the number of copies Ncalculated in the process illustrated in step S404 is determined.

In the event the number of copies is determined to be less than N (stepS405: NO), SEF is selected (step S406). Then, a third copying process isexecuted (step S407), and the process is finished.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the third copyingprocess illustrated in step S407 in FIG. 11. The processes illustratedin steps S501 to S507 in FIG. 12 are the same as the processesillustrated in step S202 to S208 in FIG. 4, and therefore detailedexplanation of the third copying process will be omitted. By executingthe third copying process, an image of a document that is fed by SEF isread and meanwhile an image is formed on paper that is fed by SEF.

On the other hand, in the event the number of copies is determined to beequal to or greater than N in the process illustrated in step S405 (stepS405: YES), LEF is selected (step S408). Then, the second copyingprocess is executed (step S409), and the process is finished. The secondcopying process is the same as the process in the flowchart illustratedin FIG. 5, and therefore its explanation will be omitted. By executingthe second copying process, an image of a document that is fed by SEF isread, and, after an enlargement/reduction process and rotation processof the image are executed, an image is formed on paper that is fed byLEF.

The present invention is by no means limited to the embodiment describedabove and can be modified in various ways within the scope of claims.

For example, a case has been described with the above embodiment wherethe present invention is applied to an MFP. However, the presentinvention may be applied to a copier as well.

The units and methods to perform various processes in the copy machineaccording to the present embodiment may be implemented by eitherdedicated hardware circuits or a programmed computer. The above programmay be provided by means of, for example, a computer readable recordingmedium such as a flexible disk or CD-ROM, or may be provided online viaa network such as the Internet. In this case, the program that isrecorded in the computer readable recording medium is transferred to amemory unit such as a hard disk and stored therein. Also, the aboveprogram may be provided as single application software or may beincorporated as one function of a copy machine in the software of thismachine.

1. A copy machine comprising: a reading unit that reads an image of adocument such that a long-side direction of the document is in line witha reading sub-scan direction and a short-side direction is in line witha reading main scan direction; a rotation unit that rotates image dataacquired by reading the image of the document by said reading unit; animage forming unit that forms the image on paper based on image dataacquired by reading the image of the document by said reading unit orbased on the image data rotated by said rotation unit, such that atransport direction of the paper is in line with a writing sub-scandirection and a direction orthogonal to said writing sub-scan directionis in line with a writing main scan direction; a selection unit thatselects either of a first direction in which a long-side direction ofthe paper matches said writing sub-scan direction and a second directionin which a short-side direction of the paper matches said writingsub-scan direction, that makes the time required after a reading processof the document is started until an image forming process is completeshorter, with considering, when the paper is fed to said image formingunit in the first direction, the number of documents, the number ofcopies, the time required for a reading process of the document, thetime required for an image forming process on the paper that is fed insaid first direction, and the time the reading process and the imageforming process overlap, and with considering, when the paper is fed tosaid image forming unit in the second direction, the number ofdocuments, the number of copies, the time required for the readingprocess, the time required for a rotation process of the image data, andthe time required for an image forming process on the paper that is fedin said second direction; and a control unit that performs control tomake said image forming unit perform the image forming process, withoutmaking said rotation unit perform the rotation process, when said firstdirection is selected by said selection unit, and to make said rotationunit perform the rotation process and then make said image forming unitperform the image forming process when said second direction is selectedby said selection unit.
 2. The copy machine as claimed in claim 1,further comprising a reduction unit that reduces the image data, whereinsaid selection unit selects either of said first and second directionswith further considering the time required for a reduction process ofthe image data; and when the reduction process is performed, after thereading process for one document is complete, said control unit performscontrol to make said reduction unit perform the reduction process withrespect to said document.
 3. The copy machine as claimed in claim 1,further comprising an enlargement unit that enlarges the image data,wherein said selection unit selects either of said first and seconddirections with further considering the time required for an enlargementprocess of the image data; and when the enlargement process isperformed, said control unit performs control to make said reading unitread part of the image of the document, and, after the reading processof the part of said image is complete, make said enlargement unitperform the enlargement process.
 4. The copy machine as claimed in claim1, wherein said reading unit is configured to be able to select firstmode to perform the reading process at first reading speed and secondmode to perform the reading process of higher resolution than said firstmode at second reading speed that is slower than said first readingspeed; and the time required for the reading process varies when saidfirst mode is selected and when said second mode is selected.
 5. Thecopy machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the time required for thereading process of one document by said reading unit is longer than thetime required for the image forming process with respect to said onedocument by said image forming unit.
 6. A non-transitory computerreadable recording medium stored with a control program for controllinga copy machine comprising: a reading unit that reads an image of adocument such that a long-side direction of the document is in line witha reading sub-scan direction and a short-side direction is in line witha reading main scan direction; a rotation unit that rotates image dataacquired by reading the image of the document by said reading unit; andan image forming unit that forms the image on paper based on image dataacquired by reading the image of the document by said reading unit orbased on the image data rotated by said rotation unit, such that atransport direction of the paper is in line with a writing sub-scandirection and a direction orthogonal to said writing sub-scan directionis in line with a writing main scan direction, said program causing saidcopy machine to execute a process comprising: (a) selecting either of afirst direction in which a long-side direction of the paper matches saidwriting sub-scan direction and a second direction in which a short-sidedirection of the paper matches said writing sub-scan direction, thatmakes the time required after a reading process of the document isstarted until an image forming process is complete shorter, withconsidering, when the paper is fed to said image forming unit in thefirst direction, the number of documents, the number of copies, the timerequired for a reading process of the document, the time required for animage forming process on the paper that is fed in said first direction,and the time the reading process and the image forming process overlap,and with considering, when the paper is fed to said image forming unitin the second direction, the number of documents, the number of copies,the time required for the reading process, the time required for arotation process of the image data, and the time required for an imageforming process on the paper that is fed in said second direction; and(b) performing control to make said image forming unit perform the imageforming process, without making said rotation unit perform the rotationprocess, when said first direction is selected in step (a), and makesaid rotation unit perform the rotation process and then make said imageforming unit perform the image forming process when said seconddirection is selected in step (a).
 7. The non-transitory computerreadable recording medium as claimed in claim 6, wherein said copymachine further comprises a reduction unit that reduces the image data;in step (a), either of said first and second directions is selected withfurther considering the time required for a reduction process of theimage data; and in step (b), when the reduction process is performed,after the reading process for one document is complete, said reductionunit is made to perform the reduction process with respect to saiddocument.
 8. The non-transitory computer readable recording medium asclaimed in claim 6, wherein said copy machine further comprises anenlargement unit that enlarges the image data; in step (a), either ofsaid first and second directions is selected with further consideringthe time required for an enlargement process of the image data; and instep (b), when the enlargement process is performed, said reading unitis made to read part of the image of the document, and, after thereading process of the part of said image is complete, said enlargementunit is made to perform the enlargement process.
 9. The non-transitorycomputer readable recording medium as claimed in claim 6, wherein saidreading unit is configured to be able to select first mode to performthe reading process at first reading speed and second mode to performthe reading process of higher resolution than said first mode at secondreading speed that is slower than said first reading speed; and the timerequired for the reading process varies when said first mode is selectedand when said second mode is selected.
 10. The non-transitory computerreadable recording medium as claimed in claim 6, wherein the timerequired for the reading process of one document by said reading unit islonger than the time required for the image forming process with respectto said one document by said image forming unit.